Help park district serve community

On Tuesday's primary ballot, there will be a bond referendum for the St Charles Park District. I urge you to visit the Park District Web site (st-charlesparks.org and click "Bond Referendum Informational Summary") to educate yourself on all the benefits gained by voting "Yes."

The bond referendum funds the acquisition of open space, needed structural renewal for Pottawatamie Pool, construction of a new pool complex, and substantial improvements to multiple parks and athletic facilities, including lighting, shelters, and playground equipment (for a full list, see Web site). There is something for everyone.

Additionally, this referendum directly affects students in District 303: $4 million is allotted to build an Environmental Education Center at Campton Hills Park. This center will be a showcase for green practices built with environmentally responsible materials, a partial green roof, rain gardens, low-energy lighting and native plantings. It will open onto the adjoining 131-acre natural area. An educational facility with classroom space and nature exhibits, this center will allow the park district to greatly expand the services it currently offers in conjunction with D303 curriculum.

Many D303 schools capitalize on the local educational field trip opportunities the park district directly coordinates with the K-8 science curriculum, but not all of our schools take advantage of them.

We need to ensure our children have the opportunity to learn locally, appreciating the substantial natural areas in their hometown.

Campton Hills Park, Persimmon Woods, Otter Creek Wetlands, and our two Illinois Nature Preserves at Ferson Creek Fen and Norris Woods -- these are only a sampling of the natural treasures the St Charles Park District has preserved from development and made available to residents.

Let's truly delight in these resources, and teach our students to value them as well. Vote yes!

Alice Dechene

St. Charles